Many major dental procedures, like a dental extraction, can often be prevented by maintaining good oral health or by treating problems early. A common reason for a necessary dental extraction is severe decay or infection. Both of which can be detected early enough to treat and sometimes reverse, especially if you maintain your regular dental visits. An extraction may be necessary if a tooth has been damaged to the point of no return. If a tooth was damaged in an accident or injury, it is not something that can be treated with good oral health. However, some tooth damage can be the result of cavities, bruxism, or other treatable situations. 

Severe Decay or Infection

Tooth decay is not a condition that clears up on its own; it will continue to progress until it is treated. In the early stages, it may not cause you any pain, but your dentist can identify it during a routine dental exam. Early cavities can be stopped and treated with a filling. If the decay is not treated, it will continue to worsen by going deeper within the tooth. At this stage, there may be pain and inflammation to the inner pulp of the tooth. A root canal treatment may be needed to stop the decay and restore the tooth. Without treatment, the tooth may become so severely decayed or infected that an extraction may be needed to protect your overall health.

Severe Damage

Tooth decay can weaken the enamel of the tooth to the point that you may break the tooth in half just by chewing normal food. Bruxism, or the grinding of teeth, can cause tiny fractures in your teeth over time. These tiny fractures can leave your teeth vulnerable to breakage. Mouth guards can be worn at night to prevent damage from grinding. Mouth guards may be needed to be worn during contact sports to prevent any serious accidents or injury to the teeth. A severely damaged tooth may need to be extracted to make room for the replacement. Your dentist’s first priority will always be to save your tooth. In some cases, a damaged tooth can be restored with a crown or other restorative treatment.

Many reasons for an extraction can be prevented

Dr. Smith wants to help protect your smile from a necessary extraction. To schedule a consultation with Smith Family Dentistry in Greenville, TX, call us at 903-455-5750. We proudly serve patients from Hunt County, Greenville, Royce City, Sulphur Springs, and all surrounding communities.